Maserati Biturbo

Maserati Biturbo (1984 )

The Maserati Biturbo was a by the Italian car manufacturer Maserati produced from autumn 1981 until the end of 1994 model of the upper middle class, which was offered in a plethora of body and engine variants.

Design and implementation of the Biturbo, which was smaller, weaker and much cheaper than the Maserati models of the sixties and seventies, went back to Alejandro de Tomaso's efforts to ensure that the site higher quantities and thus profitability. De Tomaso was since 1975, owner of Maserati.

The plan worked initially on because 1982 produced Maserati 1888, in the following year 5333 cars compared to 528 cars in the first year 1981. However, the reputation of the Biturbo suffered soon due to technical problems, and the paragraph then leveled off at about 2000 to 3000 units per year.

• 3.1 Biturbo 425 ( 1984)
• 3.2 420 ( 1985)
• 3.3 420 S (1985 )
• 3.4 420i (1986)
• 3.5 420 Si ( 1986)
• 3.6 430 ( 1988-1990)
• 3.7 422 ( 1988)
• 3.8 4.18v (1990)
• 3.9 4.24V (1990 )
• 3.10 430 4v (1991)

• 4.1 Spyder
• 4.2 Spyder i
• 4.3 Spyder i '90
• 4.4 Spyder Nuova
• 4.5 The OPAC Spyder

The Biturbo family: Overview

For the original Biturbo family is a series of 2 2- seat coupé, two -seater convertible and four -seater saloons, which are based on various chassis:

• The standard chassis had a wheelbase of 2514 mm. On this basis, the two-door notchback coupe was offered.
• A shortened to 2400 mm chassis was the basis for the Maserati ( Biturbo ) Spyder, a two-seat convertible, which had been designed by Zagato and was built in the Zagato workshops. In small numbers was on the short chassis also a two-door coupe called Maserati Karif in which it was a Spyder with permanently welded roof.
• Finally, there was a long 2,600 mm chassis, which was initially based on the four-door sedans Biturbo. Between 1986 and 1990 two-door coupe also has one on the extended chassis was produced which bore the name Maserati 228.

In a broader sense, also the end of 1989 Maserati Shamal presented, the Maserati Ghibli offered from spring 1992 and introduced in the spring of 1994 Maserati Quattroporte IV to the Biturbo family. They are all based Despite some significant modifications in the core also largely on the twin-turbo technology.

Coupes

Biturbo (1981 )

On 14 December 1981, the 67th anniversary of Maserati 's founding, the work presented the original version of the Biturbo. This was on a compact, 2 2- seater notchback coupe in very pronounced wedge shape, powered by a two-liter V6, which is provided with two turbochargers for the modest engine capacity at that time was very respectable 180 hp. The front end had with their rectangular dual headlights and the trapezoidal Maserati grille like a scaled-down version of the front of the contemporary Maserati Quattroporte, thus ensuring the desired family resemblance.

Technically, the Biturbo was with rear independent suspension on the amount of time. With the then-new twin-turbo technology and three valves per cylinder he was even in the avant-garde.

However untimeliness was the mixture preparation of the double-charged engine with a carburetor; a solution that it had given in and of itself since the ill-fated Corvair by Chevrolet at the beginning of the 1960s in the series any more. This gave henceforth the little Maserati beside excessive thirst still many technical problems and a resulting, limited reliability. But this, the engine produced an exhaust sound of unparalleled fascination.

It was because not too long until the carburetor of a modern fuel injection system more. The reliability increased considerably thanks to the new mixture preparation, the provocative combustion noise, however, was then.

In the original version made ​​until the middle of 1985 Maserati Biturbo promised for a top speed of 215 km / h and 6.7 s for the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km / h The Italian magazine " Quattroporte Route" calculated in contrast, in a first test a top speed of nearly 205 km / h and an acceleration of 7.2 seconds from 0-100 km / h, which is the factory specifications missed ( in terms of top speed considerably ). For up -is the measured values ​​for a car with a 2.0 -liter engine at that time were themselves excellent.

For export markets, in which the two-liter engine capacity limit did not matter ( in Italy was for cars with engine capacity of over two liters a doubled rate of VAT from 38% to pay ), Maserati upgraded the turbo with a 200 -hp 2.5 -liter V6 from.

The Biturbo of the equipment was kept emphasizes luxury and included high-quality, designed by Missoni and cut fabrics or ( an optional extra ) leather for the seats. However, the wood inserts on the dashboard and door panels were the only well-made imitation, as the only seemingly made ​​of leather door and Armarturenbrettbespannung whose processing nonetheless be made by hand. The later became famous Maserati clock possessed the output type not yet, instead marred a black plastic quartz watch the high-priced acting interior. According to reports, there were buyers who bought the car just because of the clock, which ( apart from its attractive appearance ), however, was technically very ordinary execution.

Biturbo S ( 1983)

In the summer of 1983 made ​​his debut for Italy only the imaginary S Biturbo with two-liter V6, the engine was tuned up to 210 hp thanks to intercooler.

Other features of the S: black painted sill, black anodized chrome strips, black painted aluminum wheels, black grille, two NACA air intakes in the bonnet and padding back into the familiar Missoni fabrics. The top speed was reported to work at 221 km / h compared to 215 km / h of the regular two- liter.

Biturbo II ( 1985)

Mid-1985 was the Biturbo a facelift, renewed in their train the color palette, the aluminum wheels replaced by a new version and the previously -shaped dashboard were replaced by an oval- shaped. New use also came a Sensitork limited slip differential, which led up to 90 % of engine power to a single rear wheel.

Biturbo S II (1985 )

In the S - model gave way to a Missoni fabric upholstery Alcantara / leather combination. However, it retained the previous wheels and the angular dashboard.

Biturbo i ( 1986)

As of April 1986, the twin-turbo engines were given an electronic injection Magneti Marelli, which improved the everyday characteristics of the machines drastically. The performance increased by the two-liter to 185 horsepower.

Biturbo Si ( 1987)

Also, the S received in the summer of 1987, electronic fuel injection, thus making 220 hp. Also new was a spoiler, the wheels centers were finished in polished aluminum. The front seats were more formed, the rear seat now had integrated head restraints, shift lever knob was made ​​of wood. The Si was only available in the colors black, blue-gray metallic and red, each with light gray held front and rear skirts and rocker panels.

222 (1988)

The end of 1988 was again a facelift, in which the entire front end slightly rounded design and the previous dashboard was renovated. The two-liter made ​​220 ​​hp here. The term Biturbo accounted for from that date.

222E (1988)

The 222E was strengthened to 2.8 liters export version of the 222 with 165 kW twin-turbo V6 engine. While some 222 models were shipped with the old twin-turbo four-hole chassis, the export version E was exclusively delivered with 5-hole rims and multi-link Meccanica Attiva front axle.

2.24v (1989)

With the 2.24v four-valve technology was introduced in the spring of 1989 at Maserati. As before, all the chrome parts were finished in black anodized, were the newly modified front bumper with integrated fog lamps, the deep -drawn rear bumper and sill aprons, furthermore, the two-piece rear spoiler and wheels alloy wheels.

Standard equipment included air conditioning, power mirrors and windows. For an additional charge, an electronic chassis control system was available. The DOHC two-liter V6 came thanks to a new turbocharger to 180 kW (245 hp). The work gave a top speed of 230 km / h and 5.9 s on for the sprint from 0 to 100 km / hr. Stock was 2.24v in the colors red, black and white.

222SE (1990)

The 222SE (SE = Sport export) was the sports model of the 222E with a 2.8 liter twin turbo V6 in black design of 2.24v and, aside strafferem chassis in a modernized design as a 2.24v model with a new flatter front grille, deeper front - closed / rear spoilers and lower side spoilers and a rear spoiler, which reached to the outer sides of the stern in order to improve the performance at higher speeds on. When 222SE a three-way catalytic converter and exhaust system features four were standard equipment.

Racing ( 1990)

When racing, it was a particularly sporty special model based on the 2.24v. The two-liter V6 made ​​here 208 kW ( 283 hp).

Standard equipment included electronic chassis control system, upgraded brakes and Getrag five-speed gearbox. Optical corresponded to the Racing the other twin-turbo models of the vintage 1990 with spoiler front of the windscreen, a flatter grille and smaller headlights; However, he possessed special star-spoke rims. From racing originated 230 copies.

222SR (1990)

The 222 SR presented a facelift that of the Shamal is approached. It was offered in parallel with the 222 SE. The engine delivered 165 kW (225 hp).

2.24v II (1990)

Facelift version of 2:24 with unchanged technology, but a revised front end in the style of Shamal, spoiler at the base of the windshield and changes to the interior.

222 4V ( 1990-1992)

The 222 4V is the last model of the Biturbo range and has the four- cam V6 engine with 2.8 liter displacement, four valves per cylinder and 205 kW, the Ghibli II The driving performance spoke for itself: 0-100 km / h in 5.3 s

From this model, 130 units were built. Specifying 130 pieces comes from Maserati, the quantity indicated on their website. The journalist Jürgen Lewandowski writes in his book ( Maserati: History - Technology - Types - Sports ) on page 232 of 150.

Specifications

Limousine

Biturbo 425 (1984)

On December 14, 1983, the four-door Biturbo 425 debuted on a over the coupe by nearly nine inches at 2600 mm long wheelbase. The engine was a 2.5-liter V6 with 147 kW ( 200 hp ), otherwise the sedan corresponded stylistically and technically the two-door turbo. The maximum speed amounted to 215 km / h From mid-1984 the vehicle was available for purchase.

420 (1985)

In the spring of 1985 Maserati pushed the two-liter variant of the four-door according to the Italian market. Apart from the 185 -hp engine corresponded to the 420 to the 425 standard were Missoni velor upholstery, leather was available at extra cost.

420 S (1985 )

Also from the saloon there was an S- version; here was made by the two-liter V6 205 hp. The chassis was designed with a slightly firmer compared to the 420. As with the S Biturbo all chrome parts were black anodized and in the hood were two NACA air intakes.

420i (1986)

Similar to the coupe were installed the new fuel-injected engines in four-door from the end of 1986. In the 420i, a 185 -hp two-liter was salvaged. Standard equipment now included air conditioning and leather upholstery.

Si 420 (1986)

Even the former 420 S received the injection. He now made ​​220 ​​hp and 420 was called Si.

430 (1988-1990)

Beginning of 1988, the Maserati 430 before. This model received a facelift both in the front and the rear. The interior has also been changed. Thus, the instrument cluster was now covered plump and not polygonal. The seats have been redesigned. In comparison with the previous models, a successful further development of the twin-turbo sedans.

The 430 was not, as the model designation suggests, powered by a three liter engine, but by a 2.8-liter V6 Biturbo with 165 kW (225 hp) for the version with G- Kat. The initial version without G- Kat has 250 hp. Serial of 430 was delivered with a 5 -speed manual transmission, on request, there was also a four-speed automatic.

From the Maserati 430 990 copies were sold worldwide. The successor to the 430 was the 430 4v. It has the same shape, but a four-valve engine.

422 (1988)

The 422 was from mid- 1988, the four-door model parallel to 222 with rundlicherer front end and 220 hp leistendem two-liter engine.

4.18v (1990)

The 4.18v presented a special version of the 422 with ABS as standard dar.

4.24V (1990 )

In April 1990, the 4.24V, the technically and visually took over the specifics of the two-door appeared 2.24v (245 -horsepower engine, black anodized chrome parts, etc.).

430 4v (1991)

At 430 4v it was the four-door parallel model for 222 4v with updated design and 205 kW (279 hp) 2.8-liter V6; Characteristics of the engine were four overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

Cabriolets

As the last member of the family, the Biturbo Cabriolet, which was baptized by the name Maserati Spyder was published in autumn 1984.

In the winter of 1981/1982, a convertible version was designed and manufactured based on the Biturbo coupe Carrozzeria Embo in Turin. The painted in dark red metallic vehicle used the unabridged chassis of the coupe and was a 2 2- seater. The fabric roof fell out comparatively bulky and was a key reason for a certain lack of elegance.

The prototype was first shown to the public at the Turin Motor Show in March 1982. Alejandro de Tomaso clearly perceived a public interest in an open version of the Biturbo, but was not convinced by the line of Embo prototype. A picture of this prototype can be seen on the homepage of Embo.

Instead, received in the spring of 1982, the Carrozzeria Zagato of Milan commissioned to develop a new design for a convertible. Zagato shortened the wheelbase of 2,400 mm. Thus, the Spyder was a pure two seater. Front end and doors were identical to the coupe, but possessed the Spyder fixed triangle window behind the A-pillars. The roof disappeared, including the rear window, in zurückgeklapptem state almost completely in the body. This design was de Tomaso's consent. 1984 began series production. The Spyder were made consistently with Zagato.

Spyder

The Spyder was from the beginning the more modern, oval dashboard. Automatic climate control and full leather, or Alcantara included in all Spydern standard equipment. Also provided for the drive initially the two-liter V6 with 180 hp, the export of the 2.5 -liter V6. With various facelifts and the modern engine variants were used: up to the 2.8-liter 4V with 279 hp, it was the Spyder in all engine variants. The Spyder iE is identical to the Maserati Karif up on the soft top in appearance and performance.

Spyder i

Like all other models also received the Spyder at the end of 1988, the new injection engines ( from 220 hp) and a full technical revision ( axles, suspension, engines, transmission, differential, interior decoration) Externally visible., This new generation is the five-hole rims and the subtle facelift with something rundlicherem grille.

From this point, the twin-turbo technology is firm and durable, but it remains maintenance-intensive. These are now mature Biturbo generation continues to suffer from the bad reputation that the problems of the first generation brought with them, even though the engines are now robust and straightforward. This phenomenon makes up today in low prices for used Biturbos noticeable, which are widely traded below their real value and are unduly susceptible to failure.

The export model had a 2.8-liter V6 engine with 225 hp 3V with catalyst and 250 bhp without catalyst. This new Spyder variant has yet outwardly strong resemblance to the original Biturbo, with the wedge shape and the chrome parts. Technically this model is, however, already up to date ( like the last generation Spyder, the Spyder Nuova, which was built from 1991 to 1994 ).

In this model, ( i Spyder and Spyder iE ) finally combines the original Biturbo thought: a clear, independent design line together with innovative, practical for everyday use sports car technology and high performance.

Of the 2.8 liter export model Spyder iE only 40 cars were built in this variant, since a few months later the next facelift with the Spyder '90 i followed. With this and the following facelifts Maserati ever left the original design line of edgy and " clean" Maserati Biturbo primal.

Spyder i '90

In the spring of 1990, the Spyder has undergone a facelift again and got the modified front and rear aprons of 2.24v.

Spyder Nuova

In the spring of 1991, the Spyder received another facelift with new Ellipsoidscheinwerfern that were taken over by the Maserati Shamal. In addition, a Fronstspoiler was installed at the base of the windshield wipers on. Also, this goes back to Marcello Gandini idea was a design element of the Shamal.

In addition to the 2.0-liter 3V and 2.8L 3V now is also the 2.0 -liter engine available in the 4V version with 180 kW (245 hp). A total of about 2800 Spyder Biturbo all model variants were built.

The OPAC Spyder

The Body Shop OPAC from Turin presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1993 a newly dressed Maserati Spyder: The vehicle had smoothed, rounded contours and pointed at the front folding headlights on. At the rear, the taillights of the Audi 80 B3 were first installed. The base had been taken over unchanged from the standard Maserati Spyder; However OPAC had installed over 220 kW eight-cylinder Maserati Shamal. A revised version was exhibited at the Turin Motor Show in 1994; she pointed next to a dark red paint on four round taillights of the Ferrari. In both versions of the OPAC Spyder aroused great interest among the public and in the press. However, it did not come to a regular production car. In the trade press, the rumor was spread repeatedly, Alejandro de Tomaso had spoken out against a production of attractive OPAC Spyder and sought to prevent a production with all means. What is certain is that the OPAC Spyder much more modern and pleasing looked like the now angejahrte business model, with its square, dating from the early 1980's body. The OPAC Spyder was a unique piece, which still exists today.